The Park District is governed by five elected commissioners who set policy for the operation of the Park District.   Innovative leadership starts with our community-elected, five member Board of Commissioners.  Members of the Board of Commissioners are elected to six year terms and serve without compensation.

 

 Monthly meetings are held every second Thursday of each month at 7:45 pm in the main studio (908 Seward, Evanston, IL 60202) .  All are welcome!

 

The Board of Commissioners is the governing body of the district.  Board members therefore have an opportunity to participate in the important decisions which determine park programs and recreational facilities available to members of the Ridgeville Park District Community.

	(APPROVED Board Meeting Minutes) THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WAS HELD ON MAY 8, 2008 IN THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY HOUSE LOCATED AT 908 SEWARD STREET, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS. Present: President Pat McCourt, Ann Covode, Jean Esch  Also Present: Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski Absent: Vice President Jack Darin, David Mensch, Attorney David Saunders, Treasurer Dean Scane  Citizens: none President Pat McCourt called the meeting to order at 7:55 p.m. Elks Park: Brian Rosinski reported that the City of Evanston has moved the trailer out of the park. He will discuss with board members next month whether to leave the pole necessary to provide electricity to the location. Approval of Minutes: Motion #1: Ann Covode made a motion to approve minutes from the April 10, 2008 board meeting. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Bills: Motion #2: Ann Covode made a motion to approve payment of May bills in the amount of $34,700.64. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Petty Cash Expenditures: Motion #3: Ann Covode made a motion to approve May petty cash expenditures in the amount of $845.82. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. It was the consensus of the board that the park district's AT&T bill be paid from petty cash, if necessary, to avoid a late fee. The monthly report from Program Director Alison Witt-Janssen was presented by Brian Rosinski. Highlights:  Chelsea Slaven has been hired to be Ridgeville's Farmers Market coordinator. She is from a Kansas farming family and expects to graduate from Northwestern University in June. The Farmers Market will begin Wednesday, June 4, and will be advertised on one or two vertical banners mounted on street lamps, in the Evanston RoundTable and Pioneer Press and possibly on the CTA Linden-Howard line.  It was the consensus of the board that the local Talking Farm group pay a pro-rated participation fee depending on how many times they sell items at the market.  Ridgeville Board Meeting Minutes 5/8/08 - Page 2 Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski presented his monthly report. Highlights:  Maintenance workers have started cutting grass in the parks and will be planting and sodding areas that need special attention. Repairs were made after someone punctured a gas meter at Kamen East Park fieldhouse. A valve had to be replaced on the boiler at the community house. As the price of fuel continues to increase, Brian and staff members are looking for ways to control other costs. Ridgeville's various day camp programs are almost filled to capacity. Some summer staff members will start early to order supplies and plan day camp activities. There was a Citizens Planning Committee meeting May 7 in the Ridgeville Community House. Ald. Anjana Hansen planned to host a meeting May 8 at the Kamen East Park fieldhouse for residents of the 700 block of South Boulevard to discuss traffic concerns.   Motion #4: Ann Covode made a motion to increase the amount of money in petty cash to $3,000 per month during June, July and August. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Motion #5: At  8:38 p.m. Ann Covode made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Minutes submitted by Rita McCourt xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Minutes of JANUARY 10, 2008 THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WAS HELD ON JANUARY 10, 2008 IN THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY HOUSE LOCATED AT 908 SEWARD STREET, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS. Present: President Pat McCourt, Vice President Jack Darin, Ann Covode, Jean Esch Also Present: Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski, Treasurer Dean Scane Absent: Attorney David Saunders Late Arrival: David Mensch (at 8:21 p.m.) Citizens: none President Pat McCourt called the meeting to order at 7:48 p.m. Approval of Minutes: Motion #1: Jack Darin made a motion to approve minutes from the December 13, 2007 board meeting. Ann Covode seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Bills: Motion #2: Ann Covode made a motion to approve payment of January bills in the amount of $16,257.06. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The bills included $7,891, the cost of the park district's spring/summer brochures. Much of the cost was for printing 13,000 of the brochures. Board members asked Brian to ask the brochure's graphic designer to seek new bids from printers in an effort to lower the printing cost. Approval of Petty Cash Expenditures: Motion #3: Jack Darin made a motion to approve January petty cash expenditures in the amount of $1,104.84. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski presented his monthly report. Highlights: Counselors did a great job leading winter break camp. Daily attendance was low - a maximum of ten children. Other counselors organized supplies and cleaned the Ridgeville Community House. Ridgeville Board Meeting Minutes 1/10/08 - Page 2 Ruben and Marcos will soon begin patching and repairing chipped paint in the community house. Warm and rainy weather made it impossible for the crew to make an ice rink in Kamen East Park so far this winter. Winter classes have begun with enrollment picking up this week. Brian hopes to re-hire as many of the summer 2007 camp counselors as possible for summer 2008. Applications for counselor jobs will be accepted beginning February 1. Brian will attend several meetings this month to discuss summer planning for the parks and programs. One of the meetings will be at 2 p.m. January 26 at the Evanston Police outpost on Howard Street.  Board members are asked to let Brian know if they would like to attend any of these meetings. The board voted in December to invest $148,000 in U.S. Treasury bills to mature in 2008, but Brian told the board that he has been advised by the securities department at J.P. Morgan to leave the money in the park district's money market account. The monthly report from Program Director Alison Witt-Janssen was presented by Brian Rosinski. Highlights: Applications will be sent this month to farmers, seeking participants in the summer 2008 Ridgeville Farmers Market. No word yet on Ridgeville's request for a $2,695 grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The money would be used to promote and advertise the Farmers Market. Jack said he will write a note to State Rep. Julie Hamos and State Sen. Jeff Schoenberg advising them of Ridgeville's request. Two winter classes have been canceled because of low enrollment, but two of Ridgeville's teachers are developing a following and have returning students. Alison will attend the Illinois Association of Park Districts conference in Chicago January 24 And 25. Elks Park: Board members discussed the city's trailer and summer lunch program in Elks Park. Some people living near the park have been outspoken in their opposition to having the trailer in the park and have questioned how many children are served by the lunch  program. Ald. Ann Rainey has made it known that she would like to see the trailer and lunch program moved out of Elks Park. Motion #4: David Mensch made a motion that Ridgeville Park District ask the City of Evanston to remove the city's trailer from Elks Park. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Ridgeville Board Meeting Minutes 1/10/08 - Page 3 Brian will notify the city by phone and follow up with David Saunders, Ridgeville's attorney, about composing written notification. Jack Darin recommended that it be clearly communicated to the city that the board does not object to the lunch program, but believes the program is not working at the Elks Park site. Motion #5: At  8:28 p.m Jack Darin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ann Covode seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Minutes submitted by Rita McCourt xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (approved minutes) RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT MONTHLY BOARD MEETING                     DECEMBER 13, 2007 THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WAS HELD ON DECEMBER 13, 2007 IN THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY HOUSE LOCATED AT 908 SEWARD STREET, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS. Present: President Pat McCourt, Vice President Jack Darin, Ann Covode, Jean Esch Also Present: Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski, Treasurer Dean Scane Absent: David Mensch Late Arrival: Attorney David Saunders (at 7:55 p.m.) Citizens: Byron Samuels (late arrival) President Pat McCourt called the meeting to order at 7:48 p.m. Annual Audit Report: Treasurer Dean Scane complimented the audit report prepared by Knutte & Associates for Ridgeville's fiscal year June 2006-July 2007. It was the consensus of the board that the report be accepted and that it is not necessary for a Knutte & Associates representative to attend the January board meeting. Approval of Minutes: Motion #1: Jack Darin made a motion to approve minutes from the November 8, 2007 board meeting. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Bills: Motion #2: Jack Darin made a motion to approve payment of December bills in the amount of $30,383.08. Ann Covode seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Petty Cash Expenditures: Motion #3: Ann Covode made a motion to approve December petty cash expenditures in the amount of $1,252.69. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Motion #4: Ann Covode made a motion to increase the amount of available petty cash to $2,000 from $1,500 for the month of December. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Ridgeville Board Meeting Minutes 12/13/07 - Page 2 Motion #5: Jack Darin made a motion that Ridgeville funds be invested in U.S. Treasury bills as follows:      $30,000 to mature in March 2008      $30,000 to mature in April 2008      $30,000 to mature in May 2008      $35,000 to mature in June 2008      $23,000 to mature in July 2008 Ann Covode seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Motion #6: Jack Darin made a motion to approve the 2007-08 tax levy ordinance: “Levying taxes in the Ridgeville Park District, County of Cook, State of Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2007 and ending June 30, 2008” with the total amount of taxes levied to be $508,950.00. Ann Covode seconded the motion. Roll call vote:          Ann Covode     aye                Jack Darin     aye                Jean Esch     aye                Pat McCourt     aye Motion passed unanimously. The monthly report from Program Director Alison Witt-Janssen was presented by Brian Rosinski. Highlights: Staff members have been hired to work at winter camp, held while District 65 students are on break. Enrollment is expected to pick up as the holidays approach. Registration has begun for winter classes. There are three new ones-Get Movin'!, a dance class for women and 2 and 3d Multimedia Explorations, which are art classes for young people let by new Ridgeville teacher Paula Wendlund. Information about Ridgeville camps and classes has been sent to Pioneer Press, Evanston RoundTable, Evanston Now website/blog, local schools and included in the Ridgeville E-Newsletter, spring/summer brochure and a banner on Ridge Avenue. Applications will be mailed in December or January to farmers, seeking participants in Ridgeville's 2008 Farmers Markets, which are scheduled from June 4-October 1. Jack Darin and Ann Covode volunteered to help Alison work on plans for the Farmers Market. Ridgeville Board Meeting Minutes 12/13/07 - Page 3 Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski presented his monthly report. Highlights: Maintenance staff members have been focusing on clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and the parking lot. If the cold weather continues they will begin clearing snow to make an ice rink in Kamen Park East. Brian attended the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) committee meeting November 13. Ridgeville's request for $120,000 was not approved. Committee members suggested that if Ridgeville is successful in securing some funding for the proposed fieldhouse in Elks Park, CDBG funds may be available for the project next year. Committee members said they liked the idea of building the fieldhouse close to Callan Street rather than set back in the park. Jesus Munoz has been hired as part of the maintenance crew during December while Ruben Sierra is on vacation. Citizen Comment: Ridgeville resident Byron Samuels addressed the board regarding the proposed fieldhouse in Elks Park. He questioned the need for a building in that park and suggested that increased use of the park could result in problems, including people sleeping in the park. Ann Covode responded that the goal is to have more programs and activities in the park to cut down on undesirable activity. Pat McCourt said there will be another public hearing on the proposal at some point if Ridgeville is successful in securing funds for the fieldhouse. Motion #7: Ann Covode made a motion to approve the proposed schedule of 2008 meetings for Ridgeville Park District Board of Commissioners. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Meetings will be held: January 10, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11. Motion #8: Ann Covode made a motion that each Ridgeville employee be given a holiday stipend of $425. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Motion #9: At 9:00 p.m Jack Darin made a motion to go into executive session. Ann Covode seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Minutes submitted by Rita McCourt Ridgeville Board Meeting Minutes 12/13/07 - Page 4 President Pat McCourt called the executive session to order at 9:00 p.m. The purpose of the executive session was to discuss the annual review of Brian Rosinski. The board came out of executive session at 9:35 p.m. Motion #8: Jack Darin moved that Brian Rosinski be given a 3.66% raise, from $65,600 to $68,000 per year. The raise will be retroactive to November 19, 2007. Ann Covode seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Motion #10: At 9:35 p.m. Ann Covode moved to adjourn the meeting. Jack Darin seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously. Notes submitted by Pat McCourt xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WAS HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2007 IN THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY HOUSE LOCATED AT 908 SEWARD STREET, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS.   Present: President Pat McCourt, Vice President Jack Darin, Jean Esch, David Mensch   Also Present: Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski, Attorney David Saunders, Treasurer Dean Scane   Absent: Ann Covode (attending a meeting of Elks Park neighbors)   Citizens: none   President Pat McCourt called the meeting to order at 7:47 p.m.   Approval of Minutes: Motion #1: Jack Darin made a motion to approve minutes from the October 11, 2007 board meeting. David Mensch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   Motion #2: David Mensch made a motion to approve notes taken at the October 17, 2007 public hearing that was held to discuss plans to build a field house in Elks Park. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   Brian told the board he presented to the city’s Community Development Block Grant Committee Ridgeville’s request for CDBG funds for the proposed field house. He added that 8th Ward Ald. Ann Rainey complimented the Ridgeville proposal. A committee decision is expected November 13. There is $2 million to distribute and the committee is considering $3.2 million in requests.   Brian is not optimistic about the park district’s request for funds from NFL Charities because the money is donated specifically to promote football.    Evanston police are recommending that the field house be built closer to Callan Avenue. Solar lights have been installed to illuminate the area around the city trailer in Elks Park. Garbage cans have been installed in the park.   Approval of Bills: Motion #3: David Mensch made a motion to approve payment of November bills in the amount of $13,479.51. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   Approval of Petty Cash Expenditures: Motion #4: David Mensch made a motion to approve November petty cash expenditures in the amount of $1,379.85. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   Motion #5: Jack Darin made a motion that Anna Christina Nelson be appointed Ridgeville Park District’s delegate to the Illinois Association of Park Districts annual business meeting on January 26, 2008. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   Motion #6: David Mensch made a motion to table until the December 13 board meeting consideration of the 2007-2008 audit. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   The monthly report from Program Director Alison Witt-Janssen was presented by Brian Rosinski. Highlights: Dates have been selected for Ridgeville’s 2008 Farmers Markets: Wednesdays from June 4-October 1. Hours will be from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. June through August and 3 p.m. to dusk during September and October. Ridgeville has applied for a $2,695 grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture to promote the Farmers Market.   The park district’s Halloween events on October 25 were extremely successful.   Editing is almost finished for the 2008 spring/summer program brochure. The brochures are scheduled to be delivered door-to-door November 27 or 28. Alison is communicating with the city’s Recreation Department about trading ad space in publications. Details pending.   Staff members have been hired for winter camp. Fliers will be distributed next week to schools and Allison is seeking other ways to promote the camp program.   Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski presented his monthly report. Highlights: Ridgeville’s Halloween events were fun for all who attended. Approximately 150 people attended the early party, which was for younger children (up to 2nd grade). About 30 people attended the mini-carnival that followed.   Motion #7: At 8:25 p.m. David Mensch made a motion to go into executive session. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   Minutes submitted by Rita McCourt    President Pat McCourt called the executive session to order at 8:27 p.m. The purpose of the executive session was to discuss the annual review of Marcos Cruz and the annual review of Ruben Sierra.   The board came out of executive session at 8:45 p.m.   Motion #8: David Mensch moved that Marcos Cruz be given a 3.4% raise, from $14.50 per hour to $15.00 per hour. The raise will be retroactive to October 23, 2007. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   Motion #9: David Mensch moved that Ruben Sierra be given a 3.2% raise from $15.50 to $16.00 per hour. The raise will be effective November 20, 2007. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   Motion #10: At 8:55 p.m. David Mensch moved to adjourn the meeting. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   Notes submitted by Pat McCourt   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx   (approved) RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT PUBLIC HEARING OCTOBER 17, 2007     THE HEARING WAS HELD IN THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY HOUSE LOCATED AT 908 SEWARD STREET, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS TO DISCUSS PLANS TO BUILD A FIELD HOUSE IN ELLKS PARK.   Present: President Pat McCourt, David Mensch, Ann Covode   Also Present: Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski,  Treasurer Dean Scane, Architect Mike Kelly, 8th Ward Ald. Ann Rainey   Absent: Vice President Jack Darin, Jean Esch    Citizens: Approximately 12 (Sign in sheets available at district office)    President Pat McCourt called the hearing to order at 7:35 p.m.   Pat McCourt reviewed reasons for the board's proposal to build a field house in Elks Park and said the board is seeking funding from a number of sources.  Architect Mike Kelly explained various designs for the field house.   Citizens were asked to voice their questions and comments, summarized as follows:   what is the current use of the park (by age group)? need for garbage cans in park need for portable toilet/s in the park during summer lunch program need for increased lighting around the trailer now in the park park district should be doing more to plant grass and control weeds in the park cost to rent proposed field house for meetings/parties?  lower cost for those who cannot affort it? problems with city-run summer program: trailer is unattractive, few children show up for these lunches, reports of lunches being stolen and loack of supervision people are sleeping in the park (hidden by trailer) concern that a field house will attract vandals, gang memebers and drug dealers increased programs in a field house would add to the park's attractiveness and use by neighbors questions about whether this proposal is too modest; should Ridgeville be proposing a larger structuve to meet potential needs of the neighborhood? Evanston police were present and said a well-utilized building with good lighting around it acts as a deterrent to crime in a park.  Police and city officials will review the design and make suggestions before permits are granted. The public hearing ended at 9 p.m. Minutes taken & submitted by Rita McCourt   APPROVED  RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT MONTHLY BOARD MEETING  APRIL 10, 2008 THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WAS HELD ON APRIL 10, 2008 IN THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY HOUSE LOCATED AT 908 SEWARD STREET, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS. Present: President Pat McCourt, Vice President Jack Darin, Ann Covode, Jean Esch, David Mensch Also Present: Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski Absent: Attorney David Saunders, Treasurer Dean Scane Citizens: none President Pat McCourt called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m. Elks Park: Marianne Moberly continues to network, seeking funds to build a structure in Elks Park. Ann suggested that Brian contact the head of Youth Organizations Umbrella, Inc. (Y.O.U.) and ask for active support for the building proposal because of the need for recreational facilities for teens in south Evanston. The City of Evanston has not yet moved the trailer out of the park because the ground is too wet and would be damaged during trailer removal. Approval of Minutes: Motion #1: David Mensch made a motion to approve minutes from the March 13, 2008 board meeting. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Bills: Motion #2: David Mensch made a motion to approve payment of April bills in the amount of $22,699.39. Ann Covode seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Petty Cash Expenditures: Motion #3: Jean Esch made a motion to approve April petty cash expenditures in the amount of $583.16. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The monthly report from Program Director Alison Witt-Janssen was presented by Brian Rosinski. Highlights: The park district has received three applications from farmers who want to participate in Ridgeville's Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoons during the summer. The applications are from two vegetable farmers--Shady Hill and Montalbano Farms--and from Lyons Fruit Farm. Evanston baker Kim Garza has made a verbal commitment to participate and Alison has been speaking with the organizers of the Talking Farm, who may have a small amount of produce to sell. Ridgeville has received a grant of $1,500 from the Illinois Department of Agriculture to advertise the Farmers Market. Ridgeville Board Meeting Minutes 4/10/08 - Page 2 Directors have been hired to lead Ridgeville's cultural arts summer camps. Lamar Lockett, who will direct Arts Camp, graduated from University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), where he received a degree in communication. He is an award-winning ballroom dancer who has worked in the Chicago Public Schools' “Having a Ballâ€� program and he also has worked for the YWCA in Chicago. Jessica Sullens will direct Time Traveler Camp. She is a graduate of University of Illinois (Chicago), where she majored in psychology and English. The Spring Bunny Trail on Saturday, March 15, was fun despite chilly weather. Approximately 100 people attended. Alison has been invited to be the artist in residence at Willard School for six weeks starting next week. She will work with the students in making a mosaic. Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski presented his monthly report. Highlights: Ridgeville's summer concerts are being planned. The youth concert being organized by ETHS senior Graham Penninger will be from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. A list of songs that will be played, and the songs' lyrics, have been submitted to Brian for approval. Registrations for summer camps continue to come in steadily. Both day camp sessions for 3-year-olds/4-year-olds are filled and so is the first session of day camp for 5-to-7-year-olds. About half the spots have been filled for Time Travelers and Sports camps. There are a few counselor positions to fill. Maintenance workers Ruben and Marcos are tilling garden plots, preparing baseball diamonds and pruning where possible. They will seed and/or sod park areas that get heavy use. New windows have been installed in the Ridgeville Community House. Brian noted the cost of the windows -- $10,180.45 -- on the list of April bills. Motion #4: David Mensch made a motion to move $8,000 from unexpended funds  to the capital improvement fund. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Brian has discussed with Treasurer Dean Scane and Attorney David Saunders various alternatives for investing Ridgeville funds to yield the highest possible interest rate. Ridgeville Board Meeting Minutes 4/10/08 - Page 3 Motion #5: Jack Darin made a motion to invest $80,000 from Ridgeville's Corporate Fund in certificates of deposit due to mature in 60-90 days. Jean Esch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. David Mensch encouraged Brian to purchase as many of the certificates of deposit as possible from banks that do business in Evanston. Other Business: Jack Darin said he probably will miss the May 8 board meeting because he will be in Springfield on business. It was the consensus of the board to go ahead with the meeting on May 8 because all other board members plan to be in town that day. Motion #6: At  8:31 p.m. Jack Darin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. David Mensch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Minutes submitted by Rita McCourt             xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT MONTHLY BOARD MEETING  MARCH 13, 2008 THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WAS HELD ON MARCH 13, 2008 IN THE RIDGEVILLE PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY HOUSE LOCATED AT 908 SEWARD STREET, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS. Present: President Pat McCourt, Vice President Jack Darin, Ann Covode Also Present: Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski Late Arrival: David Mensch (at 8:13 p.m.) Absent: Jean Esch, Attorney David Saunders, Treasurer Dean Scane Citizens: Danielle Dickerson, Graham Penninger President Pat McCourt called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. Citizen Comment: Danielle Dickerson and Graham Penninger spoke to the board about their proposal to plan and promote a youth concert during the summer as part of Ridgeville's outdoor concert series in Ridgeville Park. Danielle is the owner of a business at 820 Dempster that sells “funky sneakers, cool clothing and unique furnitureâ€� and has attracted many Evanston young people seeking outlets for their artistic and musical talents. Graham is a senior at Evanston Township High School who is proposing the concert as his Senior Studies project. He is a musician and his band would be one of those performing at Ridgeville. Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski reviewed the park district's rules covering all musical groups that perform in the concert series. Among the rules-musicians can use the park district's stage and sound equipment but Ridgeville employees will control the sound board and volume, a police officer will be present during the concert, the song list (titles and lyrics) must be submitted in advance and approved. Advertising must be limited in scope and focus on the concert as a senior project. After Danielle and Graham left the meeting, board members discussed the concert proposal. The consensus was to allow the concert to take place, possibly as the first part of one of the other concerts Ridgeville will plan for the summer. Jack Darin suggested that Danielle and Graham be asked to present their plans for promoting/advertising the concert so these plans can be reviewed by Ridgeville staff before any promotion takes place. Sunday afternoon, June 22, was mentioned as a possible date.   Ridgeville Board Meeting Minutes 3/13/08 - Page 2 Approval of Minutes: Motion #1: Jack Darin made a motion to approve minutes from the February 13, 2008 board meeting. David Mensch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Bills: Motion #2: David Mensch made a motion to approve payment of March bills in the amount of $18,770.28. Jack Darin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Petty Cash Expenditures: Motion #3: Ann Covode made a motion to approve March petty cash expenditures in the amount of $1,135.24. David Mensch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Farmers Market: Plans are on hold for Ridgeville to host a Farmers Market Wednesday afternoons during the summer. Brian distributed a report from Nancy Straus, who has tried to contact approximately 45 farmers. So far only one-Lyons Fruit Farm--has committed to participating and a local baker-Kim Garza-has made a verbal commitment. The deadline has been extended to April 1. Ann Covode suggested that Ridgeville contact the farmers who participate in the Green City Market on Wednesdays in Chicago. The monthly report from Program Director Alison Witt-Janssen was presented by Brian Rosinski. Highlights: The annual Bunny Trail event and Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, March 15. Ridgeville Kindermusik teacher Julie Friend will sing and dance with the children and lead a craft activity. Vivienne Witter will be the director of spring camp, March 31-April 4. Kanitra Branch, a senior at Illinois State University who has been a summer employee at Ridgeville, will be a counselor for spring camp and will continue an internship at Ridgeville until May 2. Staff members are in the process of interviewing applicants for summer jobs, including  Arts Camp director and counselors for various camps. Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Rosinski presented his monthly report. Highlights: Ridgeville and Brummel Park Neighbors are co-hosting a Job Forum at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Evanston Police Department's Howard Street Outpost. Darin Williams, Ridgeville's Youth in the Parks program director, will be there to take applications and distribute information about the park district. Registrations for summer camps are coming in steadily. The day camp for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds is filled to capacity. Ridgeville Board Meeting Minutes 3/13/08 - Page 3 Talks continue with financial advisors regarding the best way to invest Ridgeville funds to maximize interest. Brian will seek further guidance from Treasurer Dean Scane and Attorney David Saunders. Brian and Alison are researching E-Pay Illinois, an on-line system for program registration that would allow patrons to pay with a credit card. It would take six weeks to set up the system. No decision has been made.  The City of Evanston has not yet removed its trailer from Elks Park. Neighbors know it is going to be moved from the park and there have not been any more complaints. Other Business: David Mensch said a dispute has arisen regarding umpires (for park district and school sports events)--whether they are independent contractors or employees covered by unemployment insurance regulations and entitled to unemployment compensation.  David asked Brian Rosinski to write a letter on behalf of the park district indicating Ridgeville's position that umpires are independent contractors. David will share with Brian a sample letter. Motion #4: At  9:02 p.m Jack Darin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. David Mensch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Minutes submitted by Rita McCourt